Hummingbirds

Memorial Day weekend our yard was host to a handful of hummingbirds. The acrobatic antics of two male hummingbirds were particularly surprising since two males were uncharacteristically  rested together between acting out their normal territorial behavior. 

Curious Male Watches

A female holds her own against 2 territorial males.

These pictures are of Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds. The only ones  that breed east of the Mississippi River, even though there are 15 other species in North America. Most Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds have over 900 feathers which are replaced yearly. 

Male hummingbirds defend their feeding territory (roughly a quarter acre) aggressively by dive-bombing intruders to protect their food supply. 
Hummingbirds are the most entertaining birds to visit our yard. With patience, they get used to our presence, so we can the action watch them up close. 

Male watching for his buddy.

In a single day, a hummingbird may gather nectar from approximately 1,000 flowers. In addition to sipping sugar water from feeders, Hummingbirds also search out small bugs and spiders for protein.

A staring contest.

They measure 3” from the tip of their beak to their tail -- the smallest of all birds. Adult hummingbirds weigh less than a nickel.
 

Two males resting in the same bush.

 The blur of their wings means they move quickly, but 60-80 times per second in normal flight, and up to 200 times per second in courtship dives is beyond fast. Watch this slow-motion video of hummingbird at feeder: http://howtoenjoyhummingbirds.com/

The male on the right has his tongue extended

Combine speed with acrobatic agility and hummingbirds can reach maximum velocity almost instantly after leaving a perch. With the help of their broad tail feathers and ability to rotate their wings in a circle, they can perform airshow worthy antics: lifting off using only wing power, stopping instantly, hovering, flying backwards, and even upside-down at times. 

Grooming time for the male on the right.

Nearly indistinguishable from adults in size, young males are mistaken for females until their first winter when they develop their red chest.

Leaving your hummingbird feeders out until late autumn will not upset the hummingbirds' normal migration pattern.

Attract them to your yard:
 
If hummingbirds live in your area, attracting them may be as simple as putting out a Hummingbird feeder and planting a few of their favorite flowers:
 
Whether in a garden bed, hanging pot or potted on your porch or patio, red, tubular flowers attract hummingbirds. Add a few of these plants to your garden: Fuscia, Petunias, Hollyhock, Hibiscus, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Bee Balm, Begonia, Salvia, Honeysuckle, Columbine, Coral Bells, Delphinium, Flowering Quince, Foxgloves, Geraniums, Impatiens, Sage, Nasturtium, Nicotiana, Penstemon, Sedum, Shrimp Plant, Torenia, and Verbena.
Provide fresh sugar-water in a hummingbird feeder or two in different parts of your yard.
 


Hummingbird Feeders come in a variety of shapes and styles. Those with a perch allows them to rest while sipping sugar water. Look for a style that can be easily taken apart for cleaning. Clean your hummingbird feeder with hot water and vinegar. Anything stronger may harm these delicate birds. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before filling with sugar water.

The solution is a simple syrup of 4 parts water to 1 part water (4 c to 1 c. refrigerate remaining solution for refills). Red dye is not necessary. Most feeders have some red on them which is enough to catch the hummingbirds attention. I use hot water to dissolve the sugar, then let the solution reach room temp. before serving.

Try building your own feeder: http://www.birds-n-garden.com/hummingbirds_crafts.html Hang the feeder in a semi-protected area near a tall bush or tree to shield your hummingbirds from birds of prey, including hawks, crows and cats.

Provide bathing needs such as a misting device to provide the birds with a gentle spray.